Chapter 32: Day of Rest (2)

Chapter 32: Day of Rest (2)

He wasnt really sure where he was going or what he was going to do, he just knew he didnt want to spend his only half-day off stuck in a room studying for a test.

A few turns later, he was out of the dorms and into the main square, where the assemblies were held. A few groups of Seers were here and there. None with red hair.

He strolled around the campus, sticking close to the buildings. At one point, he noticed a cluster of Humusi mages that he recognized. One saw him and shouted a greeting. He waved back.

Rounding the corner, he entered the back part of the campus, which contained expansive grassy areas as well as a pond, a small copse of trees that nearly qualified as a forest, and some hills.

Hey! someone yelled, from the direction of the trees. It was a young man.

He saw someone there, but couldnt identify him.

Xerk! he yelled again. Come here!

Xerxes walked across the grass toward the trees. Moments later, he realized it was big-nosed Enusat.

Enusat! he said.

I was actually running out to find you. Hurry up!

He ran the last few cubits. Whats going on?

Come with me, the shorter mage said, then ducked into the trees.

Xerxes followed. At first, the trees were too thick to spy what lay beyond them. But before long, it became obvious that a short distance into the small wood was an open space. It was a meadow of sorts, filled with well-trimmed grass and a few boulders around the edges.

Stepping out of the tree line, he saw small-headed Jad, along with bearded Kashtiliash. There was another mage present, a hawk-faced fellow named Teucer that Xerxes had teamed up with during one of the practical training exercises.

All had wooden swords in their hands, with Jad and Teucer facing each other in standard guard positions.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Look who I found! Enusat said.

Everyone looked over.

There you are! Jad said. We looked for you after the lecture, but you vanished.

Everything was different with Kashtiliash. When he and Xerxes finally faced off in the second hour, it became immediately obvious that the bearded mage knew what he was doing.

After feeling each other out for about fifteen minutes, Kashtiliash said, Lets do some actual sparring.

Sure, Xerxes said.

That was when Kashtiliash really went all out. He was careful with his blows, but it only took about five exchanges before Xerxes had a sense of the bearded mages skill.

Backing up a few steps, he saluted Kashtiliash with his wooden sword and said, Youre my superior.

Kashtiliash saluted him back. Youre no hogdown swordsman yourself.

Xerxes grinned. Thanks.

Kash is good, but this club was your idea, Xerk, Jad said. I think its fair that youre the leader. Do you agree, boys?

Off to the side Enusat, and Teucer all voice their agreement. Kashtiliash grunted and nodded.

Wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, Xerxes tossed his wooden sword back onto the pile.

No way, he said. The best swordsman should be in charge, and thats Kash.

Kashtiliash flipped his sword around and rested it casually in the crook of his arm. I guess I can do it.

What about you, Jad? You good with Kash being the leader of our little sword club?

Sure, the tall mage said.

Im fine with it, Teucer added.

Enusat nodded. Same.

Then its settled, Xerxes said. Kash is the new head swordsman of the the Humusi Swordmasters!

Humusi Swordsmasters, Kashtiliash said. I like it. He lifted his sword into the air. Swordsmen, salute!